Hospital’s flu fighter campaign proves a huge success

17 March 2014

Following a sustained campaign throughout the autumn and winter, three quarters (75%) of front line staff at West Middlesex University Hospital have now had the flu jab; protecting themselves, their colleagues, and most importantly their patients from the spread of flu.

Following a sustained campaign throughout the autumn and winter, three quarters (75%) of front line staff at West Mid hospital have now had the flu jab; protecting themselves, their colleagues, and most importantly their patients from the spread of flu.

Medical Director Dr Stella Barnass said: “Every autumn we begin immunizing our staff against the latest strains of flu, which change each year. It is important that they are protected for a number of reasons. Firstly it is to protect themselves from catching the flu, and potentially being off sick for several weeks during the busy winter period – putting extra pressure on their colleagues. Secondly, it prevents them from passing on the flu – which they may carry without having any symptoms themselves. This is particularly important when they are treating patients who are more susceptible to picking up viruses like flu and suffering a severe infection, possibly with complications. Lastly it means that they are also protecting their families and friends from the spread of flu.

“There are many myths that people believe about the flu for example that it is just a bad cold, or that it can be treated with antibiotics. Flu is much more severe than a cold and can lead to a number of nasty, even life-threatening, complications. As viruses cause flu antibiotics will not help as they only work against bacteria.

“Our staff really rose to the challenge this winter, with over 1,200 of them having the jab between October and the end of February. It may now officially be spring but the flu season lingers on for some time after the end of winter so it is encouraging to know that we are well protected here at West Mid.”